Next race
Saturday, 1 May 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Lake road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
The Rotorua Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each May on a lake road in Rotorua, New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand's most traditional marathons and is closely tied to Rotorua's geothermal identity. The course circles geothermal landscapes, lake roads, and forest-edge sections around Lake Rotorua. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Rotorua Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 2,500 finishers
Course & terrain
Starts and finishes in Rotorua near the lakefront event area. The course circles geothermal landscapes, lake roads, and forest-edge sections around Lake Rotorua. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
The Rotorua Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 287 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
The Rotorua Marathon uses open online registration at rotoruamarathon.co.nz with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the May race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Getting there
Rotorua Regional Airport (ROT)
7 km / 4 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Rotorua.
The Karapiro Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April on a lake road in Karapiro, New Zealand. It is a newer Waikato full marathon that gives New Zealand runners a calm lake-side alternative to the bigger city events. The route passes lake-edge roads, rural Waikato scenery, and long smooth stretches around Lake Karapiro. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Hawke's Bay Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May on a scenic coastal road in Napier, New Zealand. Wine country and autumn weather make it one of New Zealand's most appealing destination marathons. The route passes vineyards, orchard country, and coastal Hawke's Bay scenery. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Auckland Marathon draws approximately 7,000 finishers on an urban road in Auckland, New Zealand. The course starts at Devonport and finishes at Victoria Park in the city centre, crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
The Christchurch Marathon draws approximately 2,800 finishers on an urban road in Christchurch, New Zealand. The course starts and finishes at Cathedral Square. The route follows the Avon River and passes Hagley Park and the Port Hills foothills. Mostly flat through the rebuilt city centre.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Queenstown Marathon is New Zealand's most scenic destination race, drawing about 4,500 finishers each November on a net-downhill point-to-point from Tekapo to Queenstown. The course follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu and passes through Gibbston Valley wine country with Remarkables mountain views. November late-spring weather and alpine scenery make it a bucket-list Oceania marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 15 November 2026
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
